Within the article, there are parallelisms made between scientists and artists. Creativity is often associated with artists, but scientists also use creativity when seeking a solution to a problem or creating a new product. Curiosity was described as another shared trait. The field of science searches for answers within the world around us, while art encourages trying new approaches to make a work better. Within the middle level grades, a think-pair-share study was done to discover what students thought scientists and artists had in common within their own respective fields. The results yielded students coming up with the following answers: Both fields show curiosity and are observant of the world around them, value honesty and creativity, use tools to help them in their work, and use communications skills to express their ideas and record their observations. These middle level students also used art in the form of science assessment. Students were required to develop a laboratory report with all the traditional inquiry criteria, however they were able to choose their own reporting vehicle to present their laboratory report. Some students chose to make a brochure, while others chose to present a poster board or a slide show presentation.


Overall I thought the article was very interesting and their findings with the student study were very successful. In general, I believe integrating art within content areas is a very effective idea if executed properly. Some art activities are more appropriately used as a supplement within content than others, and therefore art should be integrated if it effectively benefits student learning. With visual learning being a method in which a vast majority of students learn effectively, the integration of art within a science curriculum can be very beneficial. The idea of expressing art in science content, can possibly lead to cross curricular planning with other art or science teachers within the school building. If art and science teachers are available and willing to collaborate, sharing curriculum ideas can reinforce lessons and may lead to deeper student understanding of science concepts, with tangible results that include not only enhance student understanding but also aid in science and art literacy. These planning methods can present the opportunity for students to complete different projects or assignments during class time in both class periods.


Merten, S. (2011). Enhancing Science Education Through Art. Science Scope, 35(2), 31-34. Retrieved from Education Full Text database.
http://0-web.ebscohost.com.helin.uri.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=3&hid=127&sid=f3359244-95bd-4ace-802e-ca0dba0d69e7%40sessionmgr115



Within the article, there are parallelisms made between scientists and artists. Creativity is often associated with artists, but scientists also use creativity when seeking a solution to a problem or creating a new product. Curiosity was described as another shared trait. The field of science searches for answers within the world around us, while art encourages trying new approaches to make a work better. Within the middle level grades, a think-pair-share study was done to discover what students thought scientists and artists had in common within their own respective fields. The results yielded students coming up with the following answers: Both fields show curiosity and are observant of the world around them, value honesty and creativity, use tools to help them in their work, and use communications skills to express their ideas and record their observations. These middle level students also used art in the form of science assessment. Students were required to develop a laboratory report with all the traditional inquiry criteria, however they were able to choose their own reporting vehicle to present their laboratory report. Some students chose to make a brochure, while others chose to present a poster board or a slide show presentation.
Overall I thought the article was very interesting and their findings with the student study were very successful. In general, I believe integrating art within content areas is a very effective idea if executed properly. Some art activities are more appropriately used as a supplement within content than others, and therefore art should be integrated if it effectively benefits student learning. With visual learning being a method in which a vast majority of students learn effectively, the integration of art within a science curriculum can be very beneficial. The idea of expressing art in science content, can possibly lead to cross curricular planning with other art or science teachers within the school building. If art and science teachers are available and willing to collaborate, sharing curriculum ideas can reinforce lessons and may lead to deeper student understanding of science concepts, with tangible results that include not only enhance student understanding but also aid in science and art literacy. These planning methods can present the opportunity for students to complete different projects or assignments during class time in both class periods.